Publisher's Summary

Facing summer with her two boys, ages 10 and seven, Pam Lobley was sifting through signups for swim team, rec camp, night camp, scout camp, and enrichment classes. Overwhelmed at the choices, she asked her sons what they wanted to do during summer: "Soccer? Zoo School? Little Prodigy's Art Club?"

"Why can't we just play?" they asked.

A summer with no scheduled activities at all. The thought was tempting, but was it possible? It would be like something out of the 1950s. Could they really have a summer like that?

Juggling the expectations of her husband ("Are you going to wear garters?"), her son Sam ("I'm bored!"), and her other son, Jack ("Can I just stay in my pajamas?"), Pam sets out to give her kids an old-fashioned summer. During the shapeless days, she studies up on the myths and realities of the 1950s. With her trademark wit and candor, she reveals what we can learn from those long-ago families, why raising kids has changed so drastically, and most importantly, how to stop time once in a while and just play.

Love the concept

My children have also complained that they "never have time to play!" so I was intrigued by the title. I found the story humorous and relatable. There were a few times I wanted to encourage her to be "the parent" and say no more often to screen time, or make them read more books. But we as moms do the best we can, and in the end, she had precious memories to savor. Fun read, with helpful insights and tips.